Book of the week: High Magic’s Aid by Scire

 

Book of the week 

High Magic’s Aid

By Scire

Written by Scire aka Dr. Gerald B. Gardner 

First published: 1949 by Michael Houghton

Edition shown: First Edition of paperback version, 1993 via Pentacle Enterprises.

This week we will look at a highly recommended and important book in the subject of witchcraft and Wicca. It’s important because it was written by Dr Gerald Gardner who was a 4•=7= O.T.O. Member and father of Wicca himself. This short but essential book serves as a guide to the beliefs, structure, history and practices of the modern British witch. 

His and other works were used in the formation of Wicca and Gardnerian Witchcraft in the UK. He based the book on existing knowledge and his experiences whilst in the company of the legendary New Forest Coven of England.

At the Occult Society we are lucky to have one of the First Editions of the paperback publication from 1993 complete with Gerald’s original artwork.The book also is important to us as two of our members including Carrie Grove knew a granddaughter of one of the Nee Forest witches who remembered the Coven’ s connection to Dr Gardner.

At 76 pages and 20 chapters this crams a lot in due to the very small text but of course modern, larger text versions are now available. At times the book can be a little confusing but that’s because he was trying to compile many different beliefs and concepts into a cohesive narrative.

You can read the original hardback version on The Internet Archive 

Link to used copies of the book

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/high-magic-s-aid-book-gerald-b-gardner-9780956618207